AutoZone has a colourful, experience-filled and multi-branded history. The AutoZone journey began many years ago in an effort to build a single brand to market from Elpar, Eddies, Femo, QSV and Spares Link. The AutoZone foundation brand has grown from 26 wholly-owned stores in 1999 to over 90 wholly-owned stores in 2010.

Elpar a seven-store national chain that focused on the wholesaling of automotive electrical components, was closed in late 2003 and all the products and required team members were integrated into the FEMO real-estate. The Elpar brand is now used for product only.

Eddies, a 25-year old, eight strong parts network of outlets with almost exclusive focus on the taxi industry and the emerging market located primarily in Tswane, was successfully re-branded as AutoZone in 2003. All further expansion in the business took place under the AutoZone Umbrella.

Femo, the oldest of the brands (over 30 years), was a national chain of regional distribution centres originally focused, almost entirely, on servicing the needs of the independent spares shops and the Spares Link Voluntary Trading business. The re-branding of the Femo outlets under the AutoZone umbrella commenced in 2005.

Spares Link, a 100 strong network of independent spares shops trading successfully under the Spares Link banner, was successfully re-branded under the AutoZone Umbrella in late 2005. The voluntary traders who have joined the AutoZone family are the newest members of the family and are continuing to grow in number.

2005 was an exciting year for AutoZone. Not only did AutoZone change the format of their stores to offer customers a better shopping experience, but they have also extended their reach across the country by opening more outlets. Each AutoZone outlet is geared to allow customers to touch and feel the merchandise. The majority of the stock is now displayed in the front of the shop, and only the specialised parts and equipment stored behind the trade counter, where sales personnel, engine and auto-electrical consultants can engage with customers to assist with their purchases.

The new format was launched in Springs and has proven to be a big hit with customers. Following this success, this strategy has evolved and been rolled out to all outlets countrywide, and is the standard format for all AutoZone stores.

AutoZone continues to grow from day to day with no intention of stopping. We are dedicated to excellent customer service ensuring that we always stock the product you require. Our stores open their doors each day to bring you the Right Part at the Right Price. Visit one of our stores today to experience the AutoZone Magic!